During the two days of testing that the Monster Energy Yamaha team MotoGP carried out in Misano following the Austrian Grand Prix, many things were tested, frame, engine, and obviously aerodynamic elements.
In this last area, an evolution was considered sufficiently interesting to be adopted from Aragon on the Yamaha YZR-M1 of
fabio quartararo et
alex rins.
In the image of the one now used by Aprilia, it is more of an optimization than a revolution, even if almost all the carbon elements of the bodywork are undoubtedly modified.
The most visible difference concerns the front spoiler, perhaps more inclined downwards when seen from the front but above all framing an air intake now equipped with a passage towards the water radiator in order to promote cooling.
MotoGP Fabio Quartararo Austria
MotoGP Fabio Quartararo Aragon
The sides receive somewhat the same treatment as on the Noale machines, namely that the lip which borders the horizontal support surface has seen its size notably enlarged and extended upwards, while the lower part of the side fairing is now a little more rounded but better profiled behind the Downwash Ducts.
MotoGP Fabio Quartararo Austria
MotoGP Fabio Quartararo Aragon
Even though Yamaha has not communicated on the subject, we can assume that this optimization of aerodynamics always goes in the same direction, that is to say, to provide the most possible support at the front while increasing the drag as little as possible in a straight line, and to favor the ground effect in fast turns.
It is also noted that the Iwata team has found its swingarm fins abandoned in Austria, and that the seat base is still impressively wide, a current trend on all MotoGP, to which we will return.
Note that Alex Rins continues to try out various exhaust pipes…
Photo credits: Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP and Michelin